Systems and methods for generating high voltage pulses

Abstract

A high voltage pulse generating system has a latching element coupled in between a ferroelectric generator (FEG) and a load, such as a vector inversion generator. Such a latching element prevents the return of current to the FEG when the FEG undergoes mechanical destruction after depolarization, thereby increasing the useful amount of energy extracted from the FEG. In some embodiments, multiple FEGs are configured with multiple latching elements to deliver multiple high-voltage, high-current pulses.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A pulse generating system, comprising:
 a latching element coupled to a load; 
 at least one ferroelectric generator (FEG) for generating a pulse to the load in response to depolarization of the FEG from an explosion that fractures the FEG; and 
 explosive material for generating the explosion, 
 wherein the latching element is coupled between the FEG and the load for permitting the pulse to flow through the latching element to the load and for preventing energy of the pulse in the load from being returned to the FEG during fracturing of the FEG, and wherein the latching element is configured to transition to an open circuit state in response to the pulse. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the latching element is a diode. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the latching element is a blocking inductor. 
     
     
       4. A pulse generating system, comprising:
 a latching element coupled to a load; 
 at least one ferroelectric generator (FEG) for generating a pulse to the load in response to depolarization of the FEG from an explosion that fractures the FEG; and 
 explosive material for generating the explosion, 
 wherein the latching element is coupled between the FEG and the load for permitting the pulse to flow through the latching element to the load and for preventing energy of the pulse in the load from being returned to the FEG during fracturing of the FEG, and wherein the latching element is an explosive wire. 
 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pulse has a voltage greater than 10,000 Volts. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of FEGs configured to send multiple high-voltage pulses to the load. 
     
     
       7. A pulse generating system, comprising:
 a latching element coupled to a load; 
 at least one ferroelectric generator (FEG) for generating a pulse to the load in response to depolarization of the FEG from an explosion that fractures the FEG; and 
 explosive material for generating the explosion, 
 wherein the latching element is coupled between the FEG and the load for preventing energy of the pulse in the load from being returned to the FEG during fracturing of the FEG, and wherein the latching element is an explosive wire. 
 
     
     
       8. A pulse generating system, comprising:
 a latching element coupled to a load; 
 at least one ferroelectric generator (FEG) for generating a pulse to the load in response to depolarization of the FEG from an explosion that fractures the FEG; and 
 explosive material for generating the explosion, 
 wherein the latching element is coupled between the FEG and the load for permitting the pulse to flow through the latching element to the load and for preventing energy of the pulse in the load from being returned to the FEG during fracturing of the FEG, and wherein the latching element is configured to transition to an open circuit state in response to a voltage of the pulse exceeding a threshold.